This three-day course provides the attendees with the knowledge to understand
the underlying technology behind today's leading cryptocurrencies and the
necessary skills to begin to investigate crimes involving these
cryptocurrencies. The course starts with a review of the characteristics that
make money, money, and the history of virtual currency from its earliest days to
the current landscape of cryptocurrencies. Attendees will learn about the
technologies and protocols behind the blockchain, including decentralization,
consensus, proof of work (PoW), proof of stake (PoS), and smart contracts.
Attendees will then learn, in detail, how cryptocurrencies work, how
transactions get processed on their network, how they differ in purpose and
approach from other currencies, and how they use the blockchain to accomplish
their designed goals. Cryptocurrencies covered include Bitcoin, Ethereum,
Monero, and Stablecoins. Finally, attendees learn, through practical hands-on
exercises, how to investigate crimes that involve the use of cryptocurrencies,
follow transactions through the blockchain, and securely protect and seize
cryptocurrencies.

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